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I am loving being at home lately. Too just “be” and rest. To cease striving, going here and there. I am enjoying downtime. (To have down time!!!) To be alone, and be okay. To be alone, and have great peace. This is a new development for me, and I am so grateful how God has grown and changed me. Jesus. How I love thee. Thank you for my home. Thank you for peace, and contentment, and great satisfaction.

I have been told three times in my life that I have too high of expectations. “Kim, you are going to need to lower your expectations.” From another, “I’m sorry if I have not met your expectations.” And from another, “your expectations are too high.”

Now, as I have reflected on these statements and over the years that have gone by, I realize these statements say something about me; about these people speaking into my life; and about the world we live in; as well as my worldview.

The cliff note version? Within my heart and soul I see within people the amazing capacity within them. Especially when transformed by the hand of God- to reach out, love, connect to others beautifully and in a way that puts a deep and warm flame in another’s soul. We have that power and potential as human beings, to see, to touch, to gift those around us with a meaningful and strong connection; a hope; a charge; a vision. Let us not miss those moments.

Second, those speaking into my life have experienced the realities of life, and I’m sure are wiser now because of it, and trying to prevent me from the hurt of being let down by others that they too may have experienced.

What does this speak of about our world? This is a fallen, sinful world we live in, full of evil, sin, pain, suffering, and death.

What is my worldview? I fully believe that amidst this sinful world, and we as sinful beings, can be and will be restored. The Bible says one day God will make all things new; He will wipe away all tears from our eyes. The old has gone, the new has come. In Jesus, he cleanses us from our sin and helps us be re-born anew if we ask Him to. When Jesus is invited in, amazing life altering things happen.

So will I lower my expectations? We shall see. Maybe in some things, yes, but will I daily prayerfully, and expectantly look to that promise of sanctification and transformation? In myself and those around me? For God to grow us and right all the wrongs and lift us up as We give Him permission to make us into who He wants us to be, a thousand times: yes!

Happy New Year to each of us, and May we expect Great and beautiful things. For God redeems, heals, creates and transforms.

Certain times in our experience may be opportunities for God The Father to widdle away at us. Sculpt us. Shape us. Refine us into images that look more like what He is crafting. Carving out the parts of us that look to much like the world, and beckoning us closer to his hand and heart.

We naturally don’t come by these times very easy. We may fight it- kicking and crying and bucking the chisel.

But what is our Creator’s character except good and kind and loving? Patient and gentle; true and near. And yes, there are other parts of His character as well, but that is for another post.

Jesus, will you please shape the longings deep inside me to pursuits that you can satiate? Let me not look to things of this world for satisfaction, where in you alone designed my innermost longings to be met in You. I need You, Lord. I want you. Yes, I want other things, too, but make Yourself my highest calling.

It’s the little things in life.

While my other half is away; the cat and I are bonding. This is the cat we rescued who was abandoned at 3 weeks old and left on someone’s door step.

God works things out.

This little kitty was .62 pounds when we got him. My dear friend picked the fleas off him and bathed him before we took him home. He is the most beautiful kitty with orange and white markings.

The cat and I have not always liked each other. Three times I asked my husband if we can give him away, due to the many scars on my arms from his teeth. Alas, now this biting kitty kisses me every morning and nuzzles my forehead. He always likes to be in the same room as me.

The first several weeks of his life, I set my alarm for 3am to wake him up, help him go potty, and feed him milk with an eye dropper.

He now comes up close to me on his own accord and purrrrs on occasion. This is music to my ears.

Needless to say, the cat is here to stay. We all need a little TLC and a lot of grace from time to time. ♥️

Tomorrow begins a bigger step forward into private practice. I will no longer (for the most part) be at my job for the past five plus years on Mondays.

I feel a lot. Excitement, uncertainty, expectation.

Lord, please bless and guide me. Establish the work of my hands. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Tonight I am thankful for the Church. I was feeling discouraged today and somehow God helped me get to church dinner and Wednesday night Bible study. God has created this congregation for a reason. (Many reasons.) One of which being he knows the world we are in and that we will grow weary and discouraged at times; but together, in Christ, we are strong. We are encouraged. We are renewed. By His Word and his teachings; we are fed. We worship and learn and grow and pray together. We carry each other’s burdens and In that way we fulfill the law of Christ. The photo above is of a card my Bible study teacher handed out to us tonight. What a blessing to be around other people who genuinely care and love Jesus! Do you belong to a Bible preaching church? There is Life there. Have questions? Ask. To those who ask, receive, to those who knock, the door will be opened.

I have so much to say tonight. It is in these times I am slowly learning it may actually be a perfect time for me to not say anything. Lord, help me have discernment when I need to speak; and when I need to listen. I want to honor you, Lord. Guide my words and heart.

Bed time; why do I hate thee? I love Life! I want to be awake! Praising God today for answered prayers. Prayerfully praying for dear ones in difficult places right now. I believe God works wonders; works miracles; solves problems; soothes hurting hearts. I believe God is alive and active; actively pursuing each one of us; calling our names tenderly. Do you know Him?

Long distance relationships present challenges. Perfect opportunities- to be stretched; grown; and better made into the image of Jesus. Who among us is without sin? Right. Lord, in this time would you please gently and warmly grow us into closer followers and worshippers of You. Create in us pure hearts. Let us not lift our souls to another. Renew our commitment to each other to love and to cherish for better or worse. And bless him; let him know I miss him dearly. Bring us together soon, and be honored in all things.

The sun was out today. 

Today was challenging for me; but God showed himself! He provides! God is in the small things and in the bigger things! 

A friend reminded me to be thankful in difficult times. She’s right! A thankful heart is good medicine. Prayers for those hurting tonight.